Pasta Fagioli, or Pasta and Beans, is like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Imagine twirling your fork in a bowl of hearty pasta swimming in a rich broth, fragrant with garlic and herbs. homemade chicken broth Each spoonful is a delightful dance of textures—the tender pasta mingling with creamy beans, creating a comforting embrace that’s both satisfying and soul-soothing.
I remember the first time I made this dish for my friends during a gathering; the aroma wafting through the room was irresistible. They gathered around the table, eagerly anticipating what I proudly dubbed my “warm bowl of happiness.” As they dug in, I was met with smiles and requests for seconds—a true testament to the magic of Pasta Fagioli. For more inspiration, check out this Italian Sausage Pasta Soup recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This comforting dish offers an effortless preparation method that even beginners can master
- The flavor profile is rich and savory, making it perfect for chilly nights
- Vibrant colors from fresh veggies create visual appeal that pleases the eye as well as the palate
- It’s versatile enough to serve as a main course or side dish at any gathering
I once surprised my family with this dish on a rainy Sunday evening, and they couldn’t get enough of it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pasta: Use ditalini or any small pasta shape you love; it holds the sauce beautifully. Italian Love Cake.
- Canned Cannellini Beans: Choose high-quality canned beans for creaminess; drain and rinse them before use.
- Vegetable Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control salt levels while maintaining flavor. vegetable tortellini soup.
- Fresh Garlic: Nothing beats fresh garlic; chop it finely to release its aromatic goodness.
- Carrots and Celery: These vegetables add sweetness and crunch; dice them evenly for uniform cooking. vegetarian baked sweet potato.
- Diced Tomatoes: Use canned tomatoes for convenience; their acidity balances well with the richness.
- Italian Herbs: A blend of oregano and basil enhances flavor; dried herbs work just fine if fresh isn’t available.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh cheese to sprinkle on top for added richness; it’s like icing on the cake!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Start by gathering all your ingredients on the kitchen counter; having everything ready makes cooking smoother.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté chopped garlic until fragrant. You want it golden but not burnt—there’s nothing worse than bitter garlic!
Add Vegetables: Toss in diced carrots and celery into the pot. Stir occasionally until they soften, about 5 minutes. The aroma will start enveloping your kitchen like an inviting blanket.
Incorporate Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in vegetable broth along with diced tomatoes (juice included). Bring everything to a gentle simmer, letting those flavors meld together for about 10 minutes.
Add Pasta and Beans: Stir in your chosen pasta and drained cannellini beans. Cook according to pasta package instructions until al dente—just firm enough to hold its shape but not crunchy.
Season It Up!: Sprinkle in Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to allow those flavors to really pop! Taste test—add more seasoning if needed!
Finish with Parmesan Cheese: Once everything is cooked through, remove from heat. Serve hot in bowls, topped generously with grated Parmesan cheese that melts beautifully into each bite.
With these steps completed, you now have a delicious bowl of Pasta Fagioli ready to serve! Enjoy it with crusty bread or on its own—the choice is yours!
You Must Know
- Pasta Fagioli, or Pasta and Beans, is a hearty dish that warms the soul
- Combining pasta with beans creates a filling meal that’s both nutritious and comforting
- The aroma of garlic and herbs simmering on the stove will have everyone asking for seconds!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing garlic and onions before adding broth and beans. Cook pasta separately, then combine everything before serving for a harmonious flavor blend.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out white beans for chickpeas or add spinach for extra greens. Experiment with spices like smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for a kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the pasta.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Using dry beans?
- Soak them overnight for better texture and quicker cooking
- Always taste as you go; adjust seasoning at the end for maximum flavor
- For creaminess, stir in some grated Parmesan before serving!
Sharing this dish with friends always brings laughter and compliments. I remember one dinner when someone declared it “the best soup ever,” and we all agreed it felt like a warm hug on a chilly night.
FAQ
What type of pasta works best in Pasta Fagioli?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini or macaroni work great in Pasta Fagioli.
Can I make Pasta Fagioli vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and skip any added cheese for a delicious vegan version.
How can I thicken my Pasta Fagioli?
For a thicker consistency, mash some beans or add more pasta during cooking.
Pasta Fagioli
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Pasta Fagioli, a comforting Italian classic, combines tender pasta and creamy beans in a savory broth infused with garlic and fresh herbs. This hearty dish is perfect for chilly nights or gatherings, warming both the body and soul. With its rich flavors and delightful textures, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a favorite among friends and family alike. Whether served as a main course or side dish, Pasta Fagioli is sure to bring smiles to the dinner table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add diced carrots and celery; cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Pour in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes (with juice); bring to a simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in ditalini pasta and cannellini beans; cook according to pasta package instructions until al dente.
- Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper; simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Serve hot in bowls topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: For added flavor, sauté onions along with the garlic. Try swapping cannellini beans for chickpeas or adding spinach for extra greens. If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some beans before mixing them in.